Citrus-Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh salmon fillets marinated in citrus and herbs, grilled to perfection, served with a crisp avocado and cucumber salad for a light Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets, fresh orange juice, tablespoons fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Place 4 salmon fillets in the marinade and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until opaque and easily flaked with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine 1 diced large avocado, 1 diced medium English cucumber, 1/4 finely chopped small red onion, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves. Gently toss to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled salmon fillets topped with avocado cucumber salad for a refreshing Whole30 meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Citrus-Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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